JP2024047848A - System, method, and program for distributing content - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase the sense of unity with other viewing users that content viewing users get.SOLUTION: A content distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is communicatively connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20, and provides a content distribution service that distributes content to a user via the user terminal 30. The server 10 initiates a predetermined mode in response to the fulfillment of predetermined conditions by one viewing user viewing specific content, and enables a predetermined input via a viewing screen presented to other viewing users who are viewing the same content in response to the initiation of the predetermined mode, thereby allowing each viewing user to enjoy such a predetermined mode together with other users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for distributing content.

Conventionally, in systems for distributing content consisting of images and/or audio, etc., various mechanisms have been introduced to promote communication between viewing users who view the content. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that in a content distribution system, when a viewing user transmits text or images while viewing the content, and different viewing users continue to transmit related content in a chain reaction, privilege control is executed.

JP 2019-71957 A

However, in the above-mentioned system, although benefits can be given in response to chained transmissions by multiple viewing users, the user experience of transmitting text, etc. while viewing content can be said to be monotonous. As a result, for example, the sense of unity that a viewing user can obtain with other viewing users is not sufficient.

One of the objects of the embodiment of the present invention is to enhance the sense of unity that a content viewing user can have with other viewing users. Other objects of the embodiment of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the entire specification.

A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for distributing content, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors executing the steps of presenting a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of a plurality of viewing users, and starting a predetermined mode in which each of the plurality of viewing users can make a predetermined input in response to one viewing user among the plurality of viewing users satisfying a predetermined condition, the viewing screen being configured to enable the predetermined input in response to the start of the predetermined mode.

A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for distributing content, executed by one or more computers, comprising the steps of: presenting a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of a plurality of viewing users; and, in response to one viewing user among the plurality of viewing users satisfying a predetermined condition, starting a predetermined mode in which each of the plurality of viewing users can make a predetermined input, the viewing screen being configured to allow the predetermined input in response to starting the predetermined mode.

A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for distributing content, which causes one or more computers to execute the steps of presenting a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of a plurality of viewing users, and starting a predetermined mode in which each of the plurality of viewing users can make a predetermined input in response to one viewing user among the plurality of viewing users satisfying a predetermined condition, and the viewing screen is configured to enable the predetermined input in response to the start of the predetermined mode.

Various embodiments of the present invention enhance the sense of unity that content viewers can experience with other viewers.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a content distribution server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a user information table 151. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed in a distribution management table 153. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a top screen 50. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a distribution screen 60. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a viewing screen 70. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an item selection screen 200. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to input of a dedicated item for starting the Ainori mode. A figure showing an example of a viewing screen 70 after the Ainori mode has been started. A figure showing an example of the viewing screen 70 after the Ainori gift insertion button 83 has been selected. A figure showing an example of a viewing screen 70 to which a visual effect corresponding to an input of an Ainori Gift has been added.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals may be used to denote the same or similar components.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a content distribution server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the server 10 is communicatively connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is shown in Figure 1, the server 10 is communicatively connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The server 10 provides a content distribution service that distributes content to users via the user terminals 30. The content distribution server 10 is an example of a device that implements part or all of the system of the present invention.

First, the hardware configuration of the content distribution server 10 will be described. The content distribution server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input/output I/F 13, a communication I/F 14, and a storage (memory device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU or GPU, etc., and loads various programs stored in the storage 15, etc., into the main memory 12 and executes various instructions contained in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

The input/output I/F 13 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input/output I/F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input/output I/F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20, etc.

The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the storage 15 has a user information table 151 that manages information about users of the content distribution service, and a distribution management table 153 that manages information about individual distributions. In addition, for example, the storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program for causing the server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing a content distribution service. At least a part of the server-side program 40 can be configured to be executed on the user terminal 30 side via a terminal-side program 42 described later.

In this embodiment, the content distribution server 10 may be configured using multiple computers, each of which has the hardware configuration described above. For example, the content distribution server 10 may be configured by one or multiple server devices.

The content distribution server 10 configured in this manner can be configured to have the functions of a web server and an application server. In this case, it executes various processes in response to requests from a terminal-side program 42 installed in the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data, etc., according to the results of the processes, to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 can output a web page or other screen based on the received data.

Next, the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30 will be described. The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input/output I/F 33, a communication I/F 34, and a storage (memory device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU or GPU, and loads various programs stored in the storage 35, etc., into the main memory 32 and executes various commands contained in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, from a DRAM, etc.

The input/output I/F 33 includes various input/output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input/output I/F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input/output I/F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

The communication I/F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20, etc.

Storage 35 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system and various data. The programs stored in storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like. Storage 35 also stores terminal-side programs 42. The programs 42 are configured as a web browser or other applications (for example, terminal-side applications for content distribution services, etc.) and can be configured to execute at least a portion of the server-side programs 40 as described above.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a wearable device, etc.

A user who operates a user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the content distribution service provided by the server 10 by communicating with the content distribution server 10 via a terminal-side program 42 installed in the storage 35 or the like.

Next, the functions of the content distribution server 10 configured in this manner will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111 and a content distribution control unit 112 by executing instructions contained in a program (e.g., at least a part of the server-side program 40) loaded into the main memory 12.

The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management functions of the content distribution service. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the management functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screens output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and management of user accounts.

The content delivery control unit 112 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of content delivery. For example, the content delivery control unit 112 is configured to deliver content to each user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as viewing terminal 30) of multiple viewing users who view the content. For example, the content delivery control unit 112 presents a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of the multiple viewing users, and transmits, for example, screen data and control data of the viewing screen to each viewing terminal 30.

In this embodiment, the content delivery control unit 112 is configured to start a predetermined mode in which each viewing user can make a predetermined input to the content in response to one viewing user among multiple viewing users viewing a specific content satisfying a predetermined condition. The predetermined input includes input of objects such as items, images, and text, as well as input of ratings such as "like", and typically, when the predetermined input is made, a corresponding display is made on the viewing screen of each viewing terminal 30.

In this embodiment, the viewing screen presented to each viewing user is configured to allow a specific input upon starting a specific mode.

In this way, the content distribution server 10 in this embodiment starts a predetermined mode in response to one viewing user viewing specific content satisfying a predetermined condition, and in response to the start of the predetermined mode, other viewing users viewing the same content can make a predetermined input via a viewing screen presented to them, so that each viewing user can enjoy this predetermined mode together with other users. In other words, the server 10 enhances the sense of unity with other viewing users that a viewing user of the content can obtain.

The content distributed in this embodiment includes various types of digital content. For example, the content is composed of images (moving or still images) and audio, or composed of either one of these. Furthermore, the content is, for example, transmitted in real time (live distribution) from the user terminal 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as distribution terminal 30) of the distribution user who distributes the content, or is stored in advance in a storage device such as storage 15. The live distribution of content may involve a certain delay (time lag) depending on the settings of the distribution user or the network conditions, etc. The live distribution of content is performed, for example, by a streaming method using a protocol such as HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).

The content transmitted from the broadcasting terminal 30 is composed of, for example, video and audio of the broadcasting user input (filmed) via the camera and microphone of the broadcasting terminal 30. Such content is composed of, for example, video corresponding to a screen output by an application (e.g., a game) running on the broadcasting terminal 30, audio output by the application, and/or audio of the broadcasting user input via the microphone of the broadcasting terminal 30.

In addition, in this embodiment, the content to be distributed may be such that a portion of the data constituting the content is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while a portion of the data constituting the content is stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30. For example, audio constituting the content is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content are stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the content is generated in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30 based on these data.

For example, in addition to the audio constituting the content, movement data (motion data) for moving objects such as characters is transmitted in real time from the distribution terminal 30, while images constituting the content are stored in advance in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30, and the images include model data for the objects. In this case, the movement data is generated based on the movement (including changes in facial expressions, etc.) of the distribution user recognized via the camera of the distribution terminal 30, for example. The content generated in the server 10 or the viewing terminal 30 includes objects that move based on the model data and the movement data.

In this embodiment, the viewing screen may be configured in various ways to allow a predetermined input. For example, the viewing screen may be configured so that an object for performing the above-mentioned predetermined input is arranged in response to the start of a predetermined mode. For example, the viewing screen accepts the predetermined input in response to a selection of the object by the viewing user. The object may be configured as a transparent or semi-transparent object. Such a configuration allows a predetermined input via an object arranged on the viewing screen.

In this embodiment, the predetermined input can be the input of a predetermined item that cannot be input outside the period of the predetermined mode, and in this case, the viewing screen can be configured to allow the selection of the predetermined item from among multiple items in response to the start of the predetermined mode. Such a configuration allows the input of the predetermined item during the period of the predetermined mode.

The viewing screen may also be configured to allow a predetermined input via a confirmation input by the viewing user. For example, the viewing screen may be configured to arrange an object for making a confirmation input in response to the start of a predetermined mode, and when the object is selected by the viewing user, a predetermined input may be made via the viewing screen. This configuration prevents the viewing user from unintentionally making a predetermined input.

In this embodiment, the predetermined condition for starting the predetermined mode includes various conditions. For example, the predetermined condition includes a condition that is satisfied in response to a parameter associated with the viewing user reaching a predetermined value. The predetermined condition also includes a condition that is satisfied in response to the input of a predetermined item. The predetermined item may be configured as a time-limited item that can be input when the current date and time is within a predetermined period. Such a configuration encourages the viewing user to input the predetermined item.

In addition, when a predetermined mode is started, information about a viewing user who satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., the viewing user's account name and/or profile image, etc.) may be displayed on the viewing screen. This configuration encourages viewing users to satisfy the predetermined condition.

In this embodiment, the predetermined mode may be terminated when the time elapsed since the start of the predetermined mode reaches a predetermined value. In this case, the predetermined value may be increased in response to a predetermined input (i.e., the period of the predetermined mode is extended when the predetermined input is performed). This configuration encourages many predetermined inputs to be performed during the period of the predetermined mode.

In this embodiment, the viewing screen may display a performance based on a predetermined input during the period of the predetermined mode. The performance display is performed, for example, based on the value of a parameter that increases according to the predetermined input. For example, a first performance display is performed when the value of the parameter reaches a first threshold value, and a second performance display different from the first performance display is performed when the value of the parameter reaches a second threshold value. The parameters that increase according to the predetermined input include, for example, the number of predetermined inputs, the number of viewing users who have performed the predetermined input, the maximum number of combos for the predetermined input (a combo continues, for example, as long as the predetermined input is performed consecutively at intervals within a predetermined time), the amount of value (for example, points, coins, etc.) consumed with the predetermined input, etc. This configuration encourages the predetermined input to be performed during the period of the predetermined mode.

Next, a specific example of one aspect of the content distribution server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. The content distribution service in this example is configured as a service for live distribution and viewing of content consisting of videos including characters provided by a distribution user and the voice of the distribution user. Model data of the character is uploaded in advance to the server 10 (storage 15) by the distribution user, and, as will be described in detail later, is downloaded by the viewing terminal 30 of the viewing user when viewing the content of the distribution user. First, the information managed by each table in this example will be described.

Figure 2 illustrates information managed in user information table 151 in this example. User information table 151 manages information about users of the content distribution service, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as "basic information" including account name and date of birth, "rank" indicating rank as a distribution user, "coin holdings" indicating the number of virtual coins available for use in the content distribution service, and "diamond holdings" indicating the number of virtual diamonds held, in association with a "user account" that identifies an individual user.

In this example, coins are given to users for free or for a fee in response to various triggers. For example, users can obtain coins for free as a reward such as a login bonus. Also, for example, users can purchase coins for a fee (with real currency).

In this example, diamonds are granted to a broadcasting user as a reward to that user. Specifically, for each predetermined period (e.g., one day), a number of diamonds is granted to the broadcasting user calculated by multiplying the time spent broadcasting content during that period by a base number (the number of diamonds per hour). The base number increases as the rank increases as described above. Diamonds can be exchanged for coins or real currency.

3 illustrates information managed in the distribution management table 153 in this example. The distribution management table 153 manages information about individual distributions, and as shown in the figure, in association with a "distribution ID" that identifies an individual distribution (content), manages information such as a "distribution user account" that identifies the distribution user, a "distribution start date and time" that is the date and time when the distribution started, a "distribution duration" that is the duration (elapsed time) since the distribution started, the "number of viewing users (current value and maximum value)", a "number of comments" that is the number of comments entered by viewing users while the content is being distributed, a "number of likes" that is the number of "likes" entered by viewing users while the content is being distributed, a "number of item points" that is the total number of item points granted in response to the input of items by viewing users during the content distribution, a "number of distribution points" that is the total number of distribution points granted for this distribution, an "Ainori mode flag" that indicates whether or not the mode is Ainori mode, a "remaining time in Ainori mode" that is the remaining time in Ainori mode, and a "number of combos" that indicates the number of combos of "Ainori gifts" input during the Ainori mode period.

In this example, the greater the duration of the broadcast, the number of viewing users, the number of comments, the number of likes, and the number of item points, the more broadcast points are awarded. The rank of the broadcast user described above is then determined and updated based on the ranking among broadcast users of the number of broadcast points earned in a given period (e.g., one day).

Above, we have explained the information managed by each table. Next, we will explain the processing executed by the content distribution server 10 in this example, and the screens output on the user terminal 30, etc.

Figure 4 shows an example of a top screen 50 of a content distribution service output on a user terminal 30. The screen 50 is the starting point when using the content distribution service, and as shown in the figure, has a selection area 52 that displays the text "Follow," "Popular," "Featured," and "All," a list display area 54 located below the area 52, and a circular distribution button 56 located in the upper right corner of the screen.

The selection area 52 is an area for selecting the content to be displayed in the list display area 54. Specifically, when "Following" is selected in the selection area 52, broadcasts (content currently being broadcast) of other users whom the user is following are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. Similarly, when "Popular" is selected in the selection area 52, broadcasts with a large number of viewers are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. Furthermore, when "Featured" is selected in the selection area 52, broadcasts that are gaining popularity (for example, broadcasts with a large number of comments and likes) are displayed in a list in the list display area 54. Furthermore, when "All" is selected in the selection area 52, all broadcasts are subject to list display in the list display area 54.

As shown in the figure, in the list display area 54, a plurality of individual display areas 541, each of which displays information about an individual broadcast, are arranged in two vertical columns. The individual display areas 541 are configured so that viewing of the corresponding broadcast can be started (playback of the corresponding content is started) in response to a user selection. The list display area 54 is configured so that the displayed individual display areas 541 can be switched by an upward or downward flick operation or slide operation, etc. The individual display areas 541 display an image previously set by the broadcasting user, the broadcasting user's account name, the number of viewers (current value), etc.

The distribution button 56 on the top screen 50 is an object that allows the user to distribute content as a distribution user. When the distribution button 56 is selected by the user, a distribution preparation screen (not shown) is output, and the user can set the title of the distribution, etc., via this screen. The user can instruct the start of distribution via the distribution preparation screen.

When content distribution starts, transmission to the server 10 of motion data indicating changes in facial expressions of the broadcast user (specifically, the movements of the eyes and mouth) recognized through the camera of the broadcast terminal 30, and voice data (data of speech by the broadcast user) input through the microphone of the broadcast terminal 30 starts. In addition, in response to the start of content distribution, a new record is inserted in the distribution management table 153.

Figure 5 illustrates an example of a distribution screen 60 that is output on the distribution terminal 30 in response to the start of content distribution. As shown in the figure, the screen 60 has a video display area 61 that corresponds to the entire screen, a basic information display area 62 located in the upper left corner of the screen, a comment display area 63 located in the lower left corner of the screen, a viewing user information display area 64 located in the upper right corner of the screen, and a circular distribution stop button 65 located in the center of the bottom edge of the screen.

The video display area 61 displays the video to be distributed. Specifically, a video including a character whose eyes and mouth move based on the above-mentioned motion data based on changes in the facial expression of the distribution user and the character's model data is displayed. The video is generated and output by the distribution terminal 30.

The basic information display area 62 displays basic information about this broadcast, specifically broadcast user information (profile image, etc.), the number of users viewing this broadcast (current value), and the number of "likes" entered by viewing users for this broadcast, etc.

The comment display area 63 is an area for displaying user comments input by each viewing user or system comments automatically input by the server 10. Specifically, in this area 63, a plurality of comment objects 631, each of which corresponds to an individual comment, are arranged vertically. The comment display area 63 is configured such that when a new comment is input, the corresponding comment object 631 is added to the bottom, and the existing comment objects 631 move in order upward. In the comment display area 63, the comment objects 631 displayed are switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in the vertical direction, etc.

The viewing user information display area 64 displays information about multiple viewing users who are viewing the content being distributed, and specifically, multiple icon objects 641, each corresponding to a viewing user, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction in the area 64. Each object 641 has a circular shape and displays a profile image of the corresponding viewing user. The multiple icon objects 641 are arranged in an order that follows a predetermined rule.

The distribution stop button 65 is an object that allows the distribution user to stop distributing content. When the distribution stop button 65 is selected by the distribution user, the distribution of the content (the transmission of motion data and audio data from the distribution terminal 30 to the server 10) is stopped.

Figure 6 illustrates an example of a viewing screen 70 output on the viewing terminal 30. For example, when a viewer selects an arbitrary distribution (content) via the list display area 54 of the top screen 50, etc., a viewing screen 70 for viewing the selected distribution is output on the viewing terminal 30. As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has a video display area 71, a basic information display area 72, a comment display area 73, and a viewing user information display area 74, similar to the distribution screen 60 described above. In addition, the viewing screen 70 has, at the bottom of the screen, a comment input area 751, a "Like" button 752 with a heart mark displayed, and an item input button 753 with a gift design displayed.

The video display area 71, like the video display area 61 of the distribution screen 60, displays a video including the distribution user's character. The video is generated and output in the viewing terminal 30 based on the action data transmitted from the distribution terminal 30 via the server 10 and the character model data downloaded from the server 10.

The comment input area 751 is an area for the viewing user to input a comment. When a character string is input into the area 751 and a confirmation operation is performed, the character string is transmitted as a user comment, and a comment object 631, 731 corresponding to the user comment is added to the comment display area 63, 73 of the distribution screen 60 and the viewing screen 70 in the corresponding distribution terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of the distribution user of the content being viewed) and each viewing terminal 30 (the user terminal 30 of each of the multiple viewing users of the content being viewed). The comment object 631, 731 corresponding to the user comment displays the content of the comment (character string) together with the account name of the viewing user who input the comment. In addition, when a user comment is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1) the number of comments for the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 153.

The like button 752 is an object for the viewing user to input a "like" to the distribution user (content). When the button 752 is selected by the viewing user, a "like" is input, and a comment object 631, 731 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of a "like" is added in the comment display area 63, 73 of the corresponding distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. In the comment object 631, 731 corresponding to the system comment, text indicating the input of a "like" is displayed together with the account name of the viewing user who input the "like". In addition, when a "like" is input, a corresponding visual effect (for example, an animation effect in which a heart-shaped object is displayed flowing from the bottom to the top of the screen) is added in the video display area 61, 71 of the distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. In addition, when a "like" is input, the server 10 updates (adds 1) the "number of likes" of the corresponding distribution in the distribution management table 153.

The item input button 753 is an object that allows the viewing user to input an item. When the button 753 is selected by the viewer, an item selection screen 200 for selecting the item to be input, as shown in FIG. 7, is placed superimposed on the lower area of the viewing screen 70. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 has a list display area 202 that displays a list of items, a category selection area 204 that is placed below the area 202 and allows the user to select the category of items to be displayed, and a purchase button 206 that is placed in the lower right corner of the screen and is an object for purchasing coins. In addition, the number of coins held by the corresponding user is displayed in the lower left corner of the item selection screen 200.

As shown in the figure, in the classification selection area 204, a plurality of classification objects 2041, each of which corresponds to an individual classification, are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The area 204 is also configured so that the displayed classification objects 2041 can be switched by a left-right flick operation or a slide operation, etc. The classification selection area 204 is configured so that any one of the classification objects 2041 can be selected, and when any object 2041 is selected, the items displayed in the list display area 202 are narrowed down to items to which the corresponding classification has been added.

In this example, the multiple classifications include a classification called "for events." Also, in this example, a time-limited event is held in which "Ainori mode" is enabled. As will be described in more detail below, Ainori mode is started by inputting a special item, and while the corresponding event is being held, the special item can be selected (i.e., the special item can be input) via the item selection screen 200. The special item is classified as "for events."

In the list display area 202, a plurality of individual display areas 2021, each of which displays information about an individual item, are arranged vertically in four columns. The individual display areas 2021 display an image corresponding to the item and the number of coins (price) required to input the item. The list display area 202 is configured so that the individual display areas 2021 displayed are switched by a flick operation or a slide operation in an up or down direction. When any of the individual display areas 2021 is selected by the viewing user, the corresponding item is input.

When an item is input, a comment object 631, 731 corresponding to a system comment notifying the input of the item is added in the comment display area 63, 73 of the corresponding distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. The comment object 631, 731 corresponding to the system comment displays the name of the input item together with the account name of the viewing user who input the item. When an item is input, a visual effect (video effect) corresponding to the input item is added in the video display area 61, 71 of the corresponding distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. When an item is input, the server 10 grants a quantity of item points (e.g., the more coins, the more points.) according to the number of coins (price) of the input item to this distribution, and specifically, in the distribution management table 153, the points according to the number of coins are added to the number of item points of the corresponding distribution. When an item is input, the server 10 subtracts the number of coins of the input item from the number of coins owned by the corresponding user (the viewing user who input the item) in the user information table 151.

Here, we will explain the above-mentioned "Ainori mode" that is enabled during the time-limited event. The Ainori mode is a mode that allows each viewing user to input an "Ainori gift", and is started when any viewing user inputs the above-mentioned dedicated item for starting the mode. Note that after the viewing user inputs the dedicated item, the Ainori mode may be started via a confirmation (approval) operation by the distribution user.

Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 in response to input of a dedicated item for starting Ainori mode. The server 10 first starts Ainori mode as shown in the figure (step S100). Specifically, in the distribution management table 153, the "Ainori mode flag" of the corresponding distribution is updated, and the update (countdown) of the "Ainori mode remaining time" of the corresponding distribution is started. In this example, the initial value of the duration of Ainori mode is three minutes, and the countdown of the remaining time starts from three minutes. Also, a special display for Ainori mode is started for the content being distributed, and for example, the background image of the character included in the video is changed to an image for Ainori mode.

Next, the server 10 starts accepting input of the Ainori gift (step S110). FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the viewing screen 70 of each viewing user after the Ainori mode has been started. As shown in the figure, the viewing screen 70 in this state has a combo number display area 81 located below the basic information display area 72 and displaying the combo number of the Ainori gift input, a remaining time indicator 82 located to the right of the area 81 and indicating the remaining time of the Ainori mode, and an Ainori gift input start button 83 located above the comment display area 73 and with the text "Insert Ainori gift" added. Note that, on the viewing screen 70 in this state, information (e.g., a profile image, etc.) about the viewing user who input the dedicated item (i.e., the viewing user who started the Ainori mode) may be displayed at a predetermined position. When the Ainori gift input start button 83 is selected by the viewing user, the viewing user can input the Ainori gift. Note that the viewing user may be able to input the Ainori gift without going through the selection of the gift input start button 83 (confirmation input by the viewing user).

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the viewing screen 70 after the Ainori gift input start button 83 has been selected. In this state, as shown in the figure, an Ainori gift input object 84 is placed on the viewing screen 70 instead of the gift input start button 83. The object 84 is configured as a semi-transparent object, and covers the strip-shaped area between the combo number display area 81 and remaining time indicator 82, and the comment display area 73. The viewing user can input an Ainori gift by selecting any position on the object 84 (for example, by tapping, etc.).

When an Ainori gift is input, a corresponding visual effect (video effect) is added in the video display areas 61, 71 of the corresponding distribution screen 60 and viewing screen 70. FIG. 11 illustrates a viewing screen 70 to which a visual effect corresponding to the input of an Ainori gift has been added. In this state of the viewing screen 70, as shown in the figure, an icon object 711 corresponding to the viewing user who input the Ainori gift is placed in the video display area 71. The object 711 has a circular shape and displays a profile image of the corresponding viewing user. The icon object 711 is placed with a predetermined visual effect in response to the input of the Ainori gift by the viewing user, and disappears after a predetermined time has passed. The position at which the object 711 is placed corresponds to the position on the Ainori gift input object 84 selected when the Ainori gift was input.

When an Ainori gift is input, the server 10 grants a quantity of item points to this broadcast according to the number of coins (price) of the Ainori gift, and specifically, in the broadcast management table 153, the number of points according to the number of coins is added to the number of item points of the corresponding broadcast. When an Ainori gift is input, the server 10 subtracts the number of coins of the Ainori gift from the number of coins held by the corresponding user (the viewing user who input the Ainori gift) in the user information table 151.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 8, the server 10 then waits for an Ainori gift to be input until the remaining time in the Ainori mode runs out (NO in step S120 and NO in step S190). Then, when an Ainori gift is input (YES in step S120), the server 10 judges whether a combo has been established (step S130). In this example, if the elapsed time from the previous (most recent) Ainori gift input (which may be input by the same viewing user as the viewing user who input the Ainori gift this time, or may be input by a different viewing user) is within a threshold value (e.g., within 5 seconds), it is determined that a combo has been established, whereas if the elapsed time exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that a combo has not been established.

When it is determined that a combo has been achieved (YES in step S130), the server 10 increments the combo count (step S140). Specifically, 1 is added to the combo count of the corresponding delivery in the delivery management table 153. In response to the increment of the combo count, the display in the combo count display area 81 described above is also updated.

After adding the combo number in this way, the server 10 then recovers the remaining time (step S150). Specifically, in the distribution management table 153, a predetermined value (e.g., 5 seconds) is added to the remaining time in the Ainori mode of the corresponding distribution. Note that the amount of recovery of the remaining time may vary depending on the combo number, etc. (e.g., the greater the combo number, the greater or smaller the amount of recovery, etc.).

When the combo number reaches a threshold (YES in step S160), the server 10 changes the presentation display (step S170). In this example, each time the combo number reaches one of a number of thresholds that are set in stages, the presentation display is changed to one that corresponds to the reached threshold. The presentation displays corresponding to the multiple thresholds differ from each other in at least one of the background image, visual effect, and BGM, for example. Each viewing user can enjoy the gradual change in the presentation display by continuously inputting Ainori gifts to increase the combo number.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S130 that a combo has not been achieved (NO in step S130), the server 10 clears the combo count (step S180). Specifically, the combo count for the corresponding distribution is set to 0 in the distribution management table 153. In response to the clearing of the combo count, the display in the combo count display area 81 described above is also updated.

In this way, during the Ainori mode, a display effect is displayed in response to the Ainori gift input by each viewing user. Then, when the remaining time in the Ainori mode reaches 0 (YES in step S190), the server 10 ends the Ainori mode (step S195).

In the above example, the Ainori mode is started in response to the input of a dedicated item, but the condition for starting the Ainori mode is not limited to the input of a dedicated item. For example, in another example of this embodiment, the Ainori mode is started when any viewing user satisfies a predetermined condition related to an action such as a comment, a like, or the input of an item.

In the above example, it was made possible to input "Ainori Gifts" during the Ainori mode period, but it may also be possible to input items other than these, for example, it may be possible to input ratings other than "Like".

In the above example, the input of an Ainori gift is accepted via the Ainori gift input object 84 arranged on the viewing screen 70, but the method of allowing the input of an Ainori gift is not limited to such an object arrangement. For example, the input of an Ainori gift may be accepted via the item selection screen 200, in which case, the selection of an Ainori gift may be made possible on said screen 200 in response to the start of the Ainori mode.

In the above example, the performance display in Ainori mode changes based on the combo number of Ainori gift inputs, but the combo number is one example of a parameter that increases according to the input of Ainori gifts. In other examples of this embodiment, the performance display is based on parameters other than the combo number (for example, the number of Ainori gift inputs, the number of viewing users who have input Ainori gifts, and the number of coins consumed by inputting Ainori gifts, etc.).

In the above example, the content distribution service is configured as a service for live distribution and viewing of content consisting of video including the character of the distribution user and the voice of the distribution user, but in other examples of this embodiment, various other contents are distributed. For example, the content may be composed of video and audio transmitted from the distribution terminal 30, or may be composed of a predetermined image and audio transmitted from the distribution terminal 30. In addition, content previously stored in the server 10 (storage 15) may be viewed simultaneously by multiple viewing users.

The content distribution server 10 of this embodiment described above starts a predetermined mode (e.g., Ainori mode) in response to one viewing user viewing specific content fulfilling a predetermined condition (e.g., inputting a dedicated item), and in response to the start of the predetermined mode, a predetermined input becomes possible via the viewing screen presented to other viewing users viewing the same content (e.g., Ainori gift input object 84 is placed via selection of Ainori gift input start button 83), allowing each viewing user to enjoy such a predetermined mode together with other users. In other words, the server 10 enhances the sense of unity with other viewing users that a viewing user of the content can obtain.

In other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the content distribution server 10 in the above-described embodiments may be realized by the server 10 and the user terminal 30 working together, or may be realized by the user terminal 30.

The processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, other than those explicitly described. For example, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be realized by implementing logic equivalent to the processes and procedures in a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or magnetic disk. In addition, the processes and procedures described in this specification may be implemented as a computer program equivalent to the processes and procedures, and executed by various computers.

Although the processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and/or multiple modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or described without being limited to either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise.

10 Content distribution server 11 Computer processor 111 Management function control unit 112 Content distribution control unit 15 Storage (storage device)
151 User information table 153 Distribution management table 20 Communication network 30 User terminal 40 Server side program 42 Terminal side program 50 Top screen 60 Distribution screen 70 Viewing screen 83 Ainori gift input start button 84 Ainori gift input object 200 Item selection screen

Claims (13)

1. A system for distributing content, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors comprising:
presenting a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of a plurality of viewing users;
starting a predetermined mode in which a predetermined input can be made by each of the plurality of viewing users in response to one viewing user among the plurality of viewing users satisfying a predetermined condition;
The viewing screen is configured to enable the predetermined input in response to start of the predetermined mode.
system. the viewing screen is configured so that an object for performing the predetermined input is arranged in response to the start of the predetermined mode.
The system of claim 1. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of receiving an input of an item selected from a plurality of items via the viewing screen;
the predetermined input is an input of a first item that cannot be input outside the period of the predetermined mode;
the viewing screen is configured to allow selection of the first item from among the plurality of items in response to start of the predetermined mode.
The system of claim 1. The viewing screen is configured to allow the predetermined input via a confirmation input by a corresponding viewing user.
The system of claim 1. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of receiving an input of an item selected from a plurality of items via the viewing screen;
the predetermined condition is satisfied in response to input of a second item included in the plurality of items.
The system of claim 1. the second item is an item that can be input when the current date and time is within a predetermined period;
The system of claim 5. The viewing screen is configured to display information about the one viewing user in response to starting the predetermined mode.
The system of claim 1. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of terminating the predetermined mode in response to an elapsed time from the start of the predetermined mode reaching a predetermined value;
The predetermined value is increased in response to the predetermined input.
The system of claim 1. The viewing screen is configured to perform a performance display based on the predetermined input during the period of the predetermined mode.
The system of claim 1. The viewing screen is configured to perform the performance display based on a parameter value that increases in response to the predetermined input.
The system of claim 9. the viewing screen performs a first performance display in response to the value of the parameter reaching a first threshold value, and performs a second performance display different from the first performance display in response to the value of the parameter reaching a second threshold value;
The system of claim 10. 1. A method for distributing content, executed by one or more computers, comprising:
presenting a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of a plurality of viewing users;
starting a predetermined mode in which a predetermined input can be made by each of the plurality of viewing users in response to one viewing user among the plurality of viewing users satisfying a predetermined condition;
The viewing screen is configured to enable the predetermined input in response to start of the predetermined mode.
Method. A program for distributing content, comprising:
presenting a viewing screen for viewing the content to each of a plurality of viewing users;
starting a predetermined mode in which a predetermined input can be made by each of the plurality of viewing users in response to one viewing user among the plurality of viewing users satisfying a predetermined condition;
The viewing screen is configured to enable the predetermined input in response to start of the predetermined mode.
program.